Thursday, May 20, 2010

The Style Files: Cortney Novogratz

{The Beautiful and Talented, Cortney Novogratz}

I am honored to debut the newest La Dolce Vita series, “The Style Files” with a person as talented and gracious as Cortney Novogratz of SIXX Design and the Bravo Reality Show, 9 by Design. The new series will profile inspiring and enterprising people within the style industries. Cortney was the perfect person to kick things off as she embodies so many of the qualities that the series is all about.

Cortney and her husband, Robert are true visionaries. They can take the most run-down building and turn it into something magnificent. I admire them both so much for their fearlessness and ability to “pull the trigger” on even the most daunting projects.They have an innate ability to see the beauty in even things and places most people would disregard. Over the past decade, Cortney and Robert have built a flourishing design career in Manhattan and their family has grown to include seven beautiful children. Cortney and Robert released their first book, Downtown Chic last year. It is a wonderful tome filled with invaluable information and inspiring images for anyone who loves design.

{The Novogratz Family}

Name: Cortney Novogratz

Occupation: Designer

Hometown: Columbus, Georgia

Current City: New York, New York

{A Space Designed by Cortney}

LDV: How did you go about beginning your career in design?

CN: I jumped feet first into it.

LDV: What do you love most about it? What is the most challenging aspect?

CN: I love that it is always changing, but it’s tough to keep being fresh.

LDV: Where do you find inspiration?

CN: Urban cities

LDV: Who are some of your personal style icons?

CN: Ralph Lauren, Prouve, Frank Gehry, and Billy Idol

LDV: How would you describe your style?

CN: Vintage / Modern

LDV: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

CN: Don’t take yourself too seriously!

LDV: What is your principal weakness?

CN: I love to eat!

LDV: What is your idea of living “la dolce vita”?

CN: Being healthy, happy, and counting your blessings everyday.

{Flowers from Saipua}

Bloom: Fresh Cut Flowers

Food: Sushi

Drink: Water

{Cortney and Her Family on Vacation in Brazil}

Thing to Wear: Vintage

Destination: Brazil

{Autumn in New York}

Season: Fall

Musician: Nancy Griffith

{A Piece by Ann Carrington in Cortney’s Former Home}

Artist: Ann Carrington

Film: Betty Blue

{The Novogratz family stars in their own reality show, 9 by Design which airs Tuesday nights on Bravo at 9:00 pm CST.}

33 comments:

OMG you interviewed Courtney, that is amazing. Love the show and I love their carefree attitude yet you can tell she is always at the head of the helm so to speak. This was great and she has a fan in me, that is for sure. Kathysue

I love this - it is so Proust and I love seeing what people's favorite books, artists, etc are -- I always find out about great new things that way! Cortney is so fun to watch and I love that she's a southern girl just like us

I DVR 9 by Design every Tuesday, and I watch it at least twice because I never know if I missed an inspiring design detail. So here's what I love the most about Courtney and the entire design family...the thing that makes them great innovators, a fantastic family, and inspiring philanthropists is that they are propelled by one prominent factor: LOVE. Their simple but true LOVE for each other, their design, and their fellow man, I believe, is where all their greatness stems from.

I just love this family in all of their rambunctious glory. Although Cortney's cool cucumberness does make me feel bad for how easily frazzled I get! Maybe if I had 7 children I would chill out...haha love this series! Can't wait to see who is next!

Great post! I have always admired SIXX Design and I'm lovin' their show. Every time I drive by their building I get so excited. Their family is such an inspiration. I don't how in the world they do it all, but they are the most fascinating family i think. Thanks for the low down.Mimi

I enjoy Cortney so much on 9 by Design. She seems so authentic and real. The way she approaches motherhood is refreshing and the way she and Robert joke around is so funny. You can tell they have a great relationship. I hope they get a second season.

Thank you for such a smart post about Cortney and Six Design. At first glance I was sceptical about this new Reality Show however, being a design fan I had to watch and see what it was about.It's hard enough to be creative and pull off innovative design but, they do it while juggling 7 kids and actually make it look deceptively easy. Their love of family and design is the key. They are a true inspiration that just goes to show "if you love what you do" the success will follow.Kudos for such a great post about Cortney my new hero!